The National Park Authority was formed last century to “conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage” and “promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of National Parks by the public”. Anyone who enjoys walking today will thank the foresight of our forefathers who effectively gave us vast playgrounds of discovery for our hiking adventures. The UK’s National Parks are treasures, which are not to be missed.

From Dartmoor in the South West to the Cairngorms in the Scottish Islands, there are 14 National Parks in the UK – each one with its own distinct landscape, character, wildlife and way of life. They are free to use and open to everyone. They harbour opportunities for all sorts of activities, but hiking remains the most popular pursuit for National Park visitors. As walkers, these National Parks give us access to some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside, mountainous landscapes and natural wildernesses.

So I think we should all celebrate our National Parks and hope they are preserved for all future generations. Here is a roll call of UK National Parks in alphabetical order: Brecon Beacons, Cairngorms, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, Loch Lomond & the Tressachs, New Forest, Norfolk Broads, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs and the Yorkshire Dales.